Overcast skies greet golfers on opening day of WCMA

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on July 12, 2014 11:03 PM

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Wayne County Men's Amateur committee members were pleased that Mother Nature didn't interfere with opening-round play Friday at Walnut Creek Country Club.

The course drained well from torrential downpours on Thursday and offered near-perfect playing conditions under overcast skies to competitors who teed off around 8 a.m.

However, the turnout was a little disappointing since several slots remained open for the three-day, 54-hole event. A total of 127 golfers in four divisions teed it up on the WCCC links.

One committee member attributed it to the economy, citing that families who pay membership fees to the county's country clubs each year may have had to cut back on unnecessary expenses. He quickly added that other tournaments held yearly within the county have experienced the same results.

While he didn't know the definitive answer, he did say that the WCMA continues to receive excellent support from its sponsors -- including main contributor Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries.

Nearly 40 percent of the field will receive some sort of prize for playing three of the county's top courses -- Walnut Creek, Goldsboro Municipal and Southern Wayne Country Club.

Good scores

Parker King, from time to time, reached for the red marker on the table Friday afternoon.

The color recognizes players who shoot under par.

Eight competitors posted a red score during opening-round action on the Amateur's longest course in terms of yardage from the championship tees.

Mickey Nance fired a tournament-low 67 that included an eagle on No. 14 in the inaugural Masters Division. He could have finished with a 65, but endured a two-stroke penalty for playing the wrong ball on the par-5, 11th hole.

University of Mount Olive signee Nick Adams, Wayne Country Day alum Kevin Herring and former Charles B. Aycock standout Brandon Campbell shared the Open Division lead at 4-under 68. Adams and Herring combined for 13 birdies.

Dustin Smith collected a 2-under 70 and Princeton High assistant football coach Jeremy Joyner posted a 1-under 71.

In Senior Division play, Randy Adams emerged as the first-day leader with a 1-under 71. Jeff Jackson entered Saturday's second round one stroke back. Defending champion Tim Rose, who fired an eagle on No. 11, and Perry Balltzglier each carded a 74.

Bill Holliday notched a 1-under 71 in Super Senior action. He headed into second-round play with a two-stroke advantage over Sprunt Hill. Roland Gurley and Ed Spengler were four shots back.

Next year

The 17th installment of the WCMA opens at Lane Tree Golf Club in 2015.

Walnut Creek and Goldsboro Municipal will play host to the second and third rounds, respectively.

Southern Wayne is site of the Wayne County Junior Amateur.